Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com

lay on the table

VERB
suspend
Synonyms
STRONGEST
adjourn arrest bar cease defer discontinue eject exclude file halt interrupt postpone put off reject rule out shelve stay waive withhold
STRONG
can check debar eliminate hang inactivate intermit omit pigeonhole procrastinate prorogue protract retard
WEAK
break up count out cut short hang fire hang up hold up lay aside lay off lay over pink slip put a stop to put an end to put on back burner put on hold put on ice put on the shelf stave off
Antonyms
STRONGEST
accept add advance allow begin carry on carry out continue do encourage expedite forge forward go include keep on release
WEAK
complete finish persist sustain

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He “converted his success at work straight into cash that he could lay on the table at home for the benefit of his astonished and delighted family.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 30, 2026

A round loaf decorated with viburnum berries - a symbol of fertility in local tradition - lay on the table.

From Washington Times • Sep. 15, 2023

A round loaf decorated with viburnum berries — a symbol of fertility in local tradition — lay on the table.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 14, 2023

“The contract lay on the table in the kitchen,” he wrote.

From Washington Post • Apr. 10, 2019

Hugo picked up the invitation that lay on the table.

From "The Invention of Hugo Cabret" by Brian Selznick